In the picturesque town of Rosario, Batangas, The Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO) has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable farming and dairy production. Formerly known as the Rosario Dairy Raiser’s Association (RODRA), the cooperative was established on June 21, 2012, and officially became a cooperative in September 2019. Located at Brgy. Poblacion B, Agriculture Compound, Rosario, Batangas, the cooperative comprises 81 members, 67 of whom are dedicated dairy farmers from Brgy. Mavalor, Maalas-as, Bulihan, Tiquiwan, and Salao, Rosario, Batangas. With a vision of a strengthened community with food security and livelihood projects that provide additional income while considering the welfare of each member, the cooperative strives to produce high-quality and nutritious carabao milk while promoting unity among its members.
From the abundance of milk produced by the dairy farmers, the cooperative transforms it into a delightful array of products, such as fresh milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, pastillas de leche, milk-o-jel, kesong puti (white cheese), yogurt (blueberry, mango, strawberry flavor), carakafe, and mozzarella cheese. The cooperative takes pride in its diverse product line, which caters to a wide range of consumer preferences. Each product is carefully crafted to ensure freshness, quality, and delicious taste. Through their diverse product range, TRLAFCO not only showcases the versatility and quality of carabao milk but also provides consumers with a wide array of delectable options. These products exemplify the cooperative’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the utilization of their abundant dairy resources. Whether enjoyed on their own or incorporated into culinary creations, the cooperative’s products offer a delicious taste of their dedication to providing exceptional dairy products to the market.
The fruit of the hard work put in by both the dedicated dairy farmers and the efficient management of TRLAFCO has been prominently showcased through their active participation in various events and their consistent gathering of titles and accomplishments. The cooperative’s commitment to excellence and sustainability has earned them a well-deserved reputation within the agricultural community.
The notable titles and accomplishments given to the cooperative were the following:
- 2nd Lead Carabao-Based Dairy Coop in CALABARZON
- Outstanding Dairy Buffalo Farmer (Semi-Commercial Category) Mr. Bonifacio V. Alagar – BOD/Member
- Dakilang Juana Ng PCC-UPLB 2020 Maria Catherine A. Santiago – Manager
- DOST CALABARZON “Best Community Base Program”
- Outstanding Dairy Buffalo Farmer 2022 (Semi-Commercial Category Champion)
Truly, the collective efforts of the dairy farmers and the cooperative’s management have propelled The Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative to prominence in the agricultural sector. Through their continuous participation in events and their remarkable titles and accomplishments, the cooperative has proven its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community development.
Of course, the success of TRLAFCO is not achieved in isolation but is a result of strong collaboration and support from various organizations, government institutions, and individuals who have contributed to their remarkable moments such as the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Rosario Batangas, Office of Agricultural Services (OAS), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). These invaluable partnerships have played a crucial role in the cooperative’s growth and recognition. The cooperative deeply acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of all those involved, as their collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the cooperative’s journey and propelling them towards continued success. The cooperative remains committed to nurturing these partnerships and fostering further collaborations that will drive their growth, benefit the community, and create a sustainable and thriving agricultural industry.
Currently, TRLAFCO is actively supplying raw milk and dairy products to their loyal customer base of 16 clients. These customers have recognized the quality and reliability of the cooperative’s offerings, solidifying their commitment to purchasing from them on a regular basis. The cooperative takes pride in their ability to meet the demands of their customers, ensuring a steady supply of fresh and high-quality dairy products.
In addition to their customer-focused operations, the cooperative actively engages in various activities and events facilitated by their partners, such as the KADIWA ni Ani at Kita program operated by the Department of Agriculture. The KADIWA program serves as a direct link between farmers and consumers, promoting the availability of fresh, affordable, and locally produced agricultural pro ducts. Participating in events like KADIWA ni Ani at Kita allows the cooperative to create awareness about their products, educate consumers about the benefits of carabao milk, and foster a deeper appreciation for locally sourced and sustainable dairy products. These events also provide an opportunity for the cooperative to receive feedback from consumers, understand their preferences, and continuously improve their offerings to meet market demands.
The cooperative’s involvement in the dairy industry goes beyond merely selling their own products. They have also established a valuable partnership with the Milk Feeding Program, an initiative led by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Through this collaboration, the cooperative has been entrusted with the responsibility of supplying fresh milk to various schools participating in the program. Recognizing the cooperative’s dedication to quality dairy products, the DepEd and DSWD have chosen to partner with them for the supply of fresh milk. This partnership not only benefits the cooperative but also creates a positive impact on the health and well-being of countless students.
In 2019, the cooperative successfully served a substantial number of beneficiaries through the Milk Feeding Program, reaching a total of 7,428 students. However, their impact and reach expanded significantly by 2022, as they were able to serve a remarkable total of 16,642 bens. This exponential growth in the number of students benefiting from their fresh milk supply demonstrates the cooperative’s commitment to fulfilling the nutritional needs of schoolchildren.
The cooperative’s participation in the Milk Feeding Program not only contributes to the overall well-being of students but also provides them with access to locally produced and high-quality dairy products. By sourcing fresh milk from the cooperative, schools can ensure that the children receive wholesome and nutritious dairy products, fostering their health and supporting their educational journey. Furthermore, this collaboration with the DepEd and DSWD has allowed the cooperative to forge stronger connections within the community. By actively engaging in initiatives that promote child nutrition and welfare, the cooperative has positioned itself as a socially responsible organization dedicated to the betterment of society. This positive reputation enhances their brand image and fosters a sense of trust among consumers, further solidifying their position in the market.
The Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO) stands as a shining example of sustainable farming and dairy production. Through their dedication to high-quality carabao milk and diverse product line, they have established themselves as a leader in the agricultural community. The cooperative’s commitment to excellence and sustainability has earned them numerous accolades and titles, further cementing their reputation. Their success is attributed to the strong collaborations and support from various organizations, government institutions, and individuals who have contributed to their growth. TRLAFCO remains dedicated to nurturing these partnerships and expanding their customer base while actively participating in events to promote their products and educate consumers about the benefits of locally sourced dairy. With their steadfast commitment to excellence, community development, and sustainability, TRLAFCO continues to pave the way for a thriving agricultural industry in Rosario, Batangas.
